RAFAIL VINOKUR

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RAFAIL VINOKUR Rafail Vinokur peacefully passed away December 26, 2012 in N. Miami Beach, FL. Rafail was born in Kaunas, Lithuania January 17, 1923. He was predeceased by his loving wife Leah in June, 1994. Rafail and Leah were both Holocaust survivors. Rafail managed to flee the ghetto and fought alongside the Partisans in the Second World War. After liberation he travelled to Vilnius where he married Leah Katz, a childhood friend from Kaunas, who also lost most of her family in the camps. It was always his dream to immigrate to the west. On a very cold January day in 1975 Rafail and his family arrived in Winnipeg. Within two weeks everyone found work. Rafail lived a full and happy life; always pleased to see family, old friends and meet new people. His wife Leah always seemed to cook for the neighbourhood both in Vilnius and Winnipeg. Many a meal and the odd drink were consumed in her kitchen on Lansdowne. Rafail leaves his son Mischa Vinokur and wife Petit Williams; daughter Zina and son-in-law Jack Lazareck; grandchildren, Ada and husband Jason Goldberg, Kim and Cliff Lazareck, and a very special great-granddaughter, Leeza Goldberg who brought a sparkle to his eyes. A graveside service was held December 29 at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ada and Jason Goldberg, Kim, Jordan, Cliff and Jack Lazareck. If so desired, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Publish Date: Jan 11, 2013

RAFAIL VINOKUR Peacefully passed away in N. Miami Beach Florida, December 26, 2012. Beloved father of Zina Lazareck and Mischa Vinokur. Loving husband of Klari. Graveside funeral service will be held Sunday, December 30 at 11:30 a.m. in Area 1, Section J, Shaarey Zedek Cemetery.
Publish Date: Dec 28, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2013